Wilson Dynalite vs All-Star S7 Mask

[misnomer]

Hi, all! New member of the umpiring family here! I’m working on building my equipment bag and I’m trying to decide on a mask. I’m split between the Wilson Dynalite aluminum and All-Star S7 mask (not the HSM). I’m leaning towards the Wilson because thats what the MLB guys wear, but I have to admit the S7 is pretty sexy. Any recommendations/opinions are greatly appreciated!

- Luca

[Ump242]

1 hour ago, LTedesco said:

Hi, all! New member of the umpiring family here! I’m working on building my equipment bag and I’m trying to decide on a mask. I’m split between the Wilson Dynalite aluminum and All-Star S7 mask (not the HSM). I’m leaning towards the Wilson because thats what the MLB guys wear, but I have to admit the S7 is pretty sexy. Any recommendations/opinions are greatly appreciated!

- Luca

I believe alot of what you see in the mlb are either Wilson or Nike titanium with Wilson pads.  The dynamite aluminum are about 17 or 18 Oz which is nice.  The dynamite steel are like 26+ and heavy.

I used the aluminum for a long time,  then switched to the old Wilson titaniumand now I mainly use the as s7 4k mag. Love that mask.

 

Needless to say I started with the diamond big league Peter (color) on all black pads n harness

[ArchAngel72]

 

I am regurgitating what I have read here with my own words.

Most cages now are decent.  Some take use of springs to help with impact. Some use angular deflection to accomplish it.  Its not the cage that does the work for the most part.

Get GOOD pads.   Those will help you out the most.

I would say settle on a cage you have good vision with and trust. Then put the best pads on it you can buy.  The tech in those is worth the $$ more than the cage itself..  

 

Now all that I do like the AS S74KMAg for its weight and angular help.  I do agree though vision wise I would like a bigger window but for what I do It is more than OK 

[Rock Bottom]

Some MLB catchers still use the S7 hollow steel (only 17.0 ounces), at least Severn on Colorado does.  Many umps use the S7 magnesium - I admit though, I'm a huge All-Star fan.  I've worn the S7 steel for over 500 games the last 4 seasons.

[Thunderheads]

Guys, ... he's a newbie with ONE post, and you're throwing all of these acronyms at him like he's been on the site forever ...help a brother out!   

[Rock Bottom]

15 minutes ago, Thunderheads said:

Guys, ... he's a newbie with ONE post, and you're throwing all of these acronyms at him like he's been on the site forever ...help a brother out!   

In that spirit - here are four easy purchase decisions I'd do over 100% if I was starting new today:

1) All-Star S7 Mask: https://www.ump-attire.com/Products/FM4000-MBK/All-Star-Matte-Black-System-7-Steel-Umpire-Mask-with-UltraCool

2) All-Star Skull Cap: https://www.ump-attire.com/Products/SC900UMP/All-Star-Cobalt-Umpire-Skull-Cap (not cheap I know but look at it if it saves you a single game fee due to avoiding a concussion or bad headache, or emergency room visit)

3) All-Star Mag Replacement Pads: https://www.ump-attire.com/Products/FM4000MAG-RP-BK/All-Star-FM4000MAG-Umpire-Mask-Replacement-Pads-Black Not required, the standard pads are really good, but the Mag pads are great.

4) Don't forget to add a throat guard - I don't have strong feelings on it, but I use the Chanpro, which I had before the All-Star one came out, but I do like the air vents to keep it from swinging on windy days: https://www.ump-attire.com/Products/CM-TG-65/Champro-Vented-6-1-2-Umpire-Throat-Guard

[Thunderheads]

7 minutes ago, Rock Bottom said:

In that spirit - here are three easy purchase decisions I'd do over 100% if I was starting new today:

1) All-Star S7 Mask: https://www.ump-attire.com/Products/FM4000-MBK/All-Star-Matte-Black-System-7-Steel-Umpire-Mask-with-UltraCool

2) All-Star Skull Cap: https://www.ump-attire.com/Products/SC900UMP/All-Star-Cobalt-Umpire-Skull-Cap (not cheap I know but look at it if it saves you a single game fee due to avoiding a concussion or bad headache, or emergency room visit)

3) All-Star Mag Replacement Pads: https://www.ump-attire.com/Products/FM4000MAG-RP-BK/All-Star-FM4000MAG-Umpire-Mask-Replacement-Pads-Black Not required, the standard pads are really good, but the Mag pads are great.

 

I concur here!   And also, ... when you see these guys referring to MAG, it's this one here ....
https://www.ump-attire.com/Products/FM4000MAG-UMP-BK-BK/All-Star-Black-Magnesium-Umpire-Mask-with-Black-LUC

[ATXBlue]

I personally don't think you could go wrong with either mask, I have used both and liked them both. I did not like the pads that came on the S7, but they are still good pads and also easily replaceable with any pads on the market other than Wilson wrap arounds or F3 Pads.

From a material standpoint, aluminum is going to hold up better from damage if/when you take a ball to the mask. Steel is no slouch but can bend when hit.  

I also know a guy very well that could let a Wilson Dynalite Aluminum go for a good price. Also, with Ump attire you can buy/try both and return the one you don't want.

Like I said I don't think you can go wrong with those two masks. 

Edited March 3, 2023 by ATXBlue
Both S7 and Wilson are in stock at UA

[Rock Bottom]

4 minutes ago, Thunderheads said:

I concur here!   And also, ... when you see these guys referring to MAG, it's this one here ....
https://www.ump-attire.com/Products/FM4000MAG-UMP-BK-BK/All-Star-Black-Magnesium-Umpire-Mask-with-Black-LUC

I would recommend, if you're going to get the Magnesium pads anyway, and buy the steel S7 ,that's $190 total, for just $60 more you can have the magnesium S7, and while it's only 0.2 ounces lighter than the steel, it's angles are even better.

[boyinr]

I like the S7 frame better than Wilson AL.  I find the vison to be better due to the shape of the frame. I also prefer the stock LUC pads to the Wilson Memory Foam pads. 
 

i would not immediately feel the need to upgrade the pads. FM4000 pads are a nice upgrade.  IMO, you are just starting out you have a lot of expenses. Save the upgrade for after you’ve banked a little cash. 
 

Just add a 6” throat guard and attach it to the bottom frame not the extended chin. 

[SeeingEyeDog]

@LTedesco, welcome to The Craft, welcome to The Brotherhood and welcome to The Page!

Either of those masks is perfectly acceptable, especially for a new umpire. They are priced right, dependable and offer acceptable protection. @MadMax, will be along shortly to school you on the questionable pads in the Wilson. Most reputable online retailers of umpire equipment allow free returns. I wish I had taken more advantage of this myself when buying my gear. Umpire gear like most "gear" out there in the world...is a VERY personal choice. Yes, as a newbie you'll want to talk with other umpires about their gear and what works but, I would NOT make a final purchasing decision based solely on what another umpire says. What works well for one umpire, may not work well for you. Gear will ultimately come down to (in your own order) price and availability, protection, comfort, appearance. Take you gear seriously. Your gear and proper positioning are the only things keeping you from being unavailable to umpire or go to your day job.

The good news is, we have many sufferers of a most dreaded umpiring disease on this forum...G.A.S. (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) so, check out the Equipment forum for endless discussions of gear...past, current and future and also check out the Buy, Sell or Trade Forum if you are looking to buy, sell or trade gear...both new and used. There's even a thread there highlighting/lowlighting Ebay links.

~Dawg

[misnomer]

On 3/3/2023 at 1:37 PM, Rock Bottom said:

In that spirit - here are four easy purchase decisions I'd do over 100% if I was starting new today:

1) All-Star S7 Mask: https://www.ump-attire.com/Products/FM4000-MBK/All-Star-Matte-Black-System-7-Steel-Umpire-Mask-with-UltraCool

2) All-Star Skull Cap: https://www.ump-attire.com/Products/SC900UMP/All-Star-Cobalt-Umpire-Skull-Cap (not cheap I know but look at it if it saves you a single game fee due to avoiding a concussion or bad headache, or emergency room visit)

3) All-Star Mag Replacement Pads: https://www.ump-attire.com/Products/FM4000MAG-RP-BK/All-Star-FM4000MAG-Umpire-Mask-Replacement-Pads-Black Not required, the standard pads are really good, but the Mag pads are great.

4) Don't forget to add a throat guard - I don't have strong feelings on it, but I use the Chanpro, which I had before the All-Star one came out, but I do like the air vents to keep it from swinging on windy days: https://www.ump-attire.com/Products/CM-TG-65/Champro-Vented-6-1-2-Umpire-Throat-Guard

Thanks for the reccomendations! I have only one hang up on the skully, though: color. My association wears navy caps (MBUA) and it only comes in black. Obviously I could paint it, I'm weirdly hesitant (anxiety disorder gonna do what anxiety disorder gonna do.)